Implementing a balanced, collaborative, and creative design approach to develop a unique park experience in Hamden
The transformation of what was once a contaminated factory dumping site into a vibrant, destination park has enhanced the lives of those living in the Hamden community. Our landscape architects and designers worked closely with the community to develop a dynamic program. Together with environmental consultants Haley & Aldrich Inc., our team implemented an inspired design that transformed this underutilized park into a booming neighborhood recreational hub.
Confronted with strict geotechnical requirements of designing atop contaminated soil, the park site needed to be raised two feet above the engineered cap. We constructed foundations, utilities, and landscape elements within newly placed soils—requiring detailed coordination between landscape architects, engineers, and environmental professionals. Two parks in one, Villano Park and Rochford Field now feature a custom, vine covered pergola for quiet seating and a dual-stage performance shelter, accommodating both large community events on the lawn and smaller children’s performances on the playground. In addition, visitors can enjoy multiple seating areas, an adventure and music-themed playground, picnic shelters, and sports fields.
A community once without a safe place to gather outdoors is now reconnected by this new park. The result of our balanced, collaborative, and creative design approach? An exciting, unique and diverse park experience for the Hamden community.
At a Glance
- Offices
Phillip Champagne, Landscape Architect
Nothing is as rewarding as creating a public amenity, bringing the community’s vision to fruition and enhancing quality of life.
Kent Gannon, Associate
Professional satisfaction comes when careful consideration of user needs results in an enhanced quality of life for the whole community.
Thomas Hammerberg, Landscape Architect
In our work, you get to be a designer and quite often an end user. Enhancing and beautifying our communities is what landscape architects do.
Michael Kalb, Principal
Everything now deemed traditional was once considered experimental; don’t be afraid to try something new.
We’re better together
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